catnip

noun

cat·​nip ˈkat-ˌnip 

1

: a strong-scented perennial mint (Nepeta cataria) that has whorls of small pale flowers in terminal spikes and contains a substance attractive to cats

2

: something very attractive

Examples of catnip in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Instead of treats, this calendar is packed with a mix of exciting goodies like plush toys, kicker toys, balls and popular stimulants like catnip and silvervine to keep your kitty playful and merry. —Christine Persaud, USA Today, 14 Oct. 2025

Hidden passageways, dungeons frozen in time, and eerie corridors are like catnip for those with a proclivity toward the paranormal. —Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 12 Oct. 2025

Flies don't like citronella and other strong scents like lavender, rosemary, catnip, and basil. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 10 Oct. 2025

Also included in the cast are comedian Tim Heidecker and French actor Nassim Lyes — for a certain type of gay person (me), the thought of Heidecker acting in a movie with Stewart is like catnip. —James Factora, Them., 7 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

cat entry 1 + obsolete nep catnip, from Middle English, from Old English nepte, from Latin nepeta

First Known Use

1712, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

catnip

noun

cat·​nip -ˌnip 

: a strong-scented herb of the mint family that is especially attractive to cats

Medical Definition

catnip

noun

cat·​nip -ˌnip 

variants also catnep

-ˌnep, -nəp 

1

: a strong-scented mint (Nepeta cataria) that has small pale flowers in terminal spikes and contains a substance attractive to cats

called also cataria, catmint

2

: cataria sense 2